Defensive-minded defenseman earns return to Stockton

STOCKTON - Brad Stebner did a good job in his audition with the Thunder late last season, and it earned him a return to Stockton.

Scott Linesburgh

STOCKTON - Brad Stebner did a good job in his audition with the Thunder late last season, and it earned him a return to Stockton.

The 24-year-old defenseman was signed by Thunder coach Rich Kromm out of college in March and played five games. Kromm re-signed him to a one-year, free-agent deal Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed.

Stebner, 6-foot-4 and 210 pounds, grew up in Fort McMurray, Alberta, and played four years at Michigan Tech. After finishing his senior season with the Huskies, he was contacted by Kromm, who was looking for help on the blue line. Stebner didn't score a point, but Kromm was impressed with his defensive skills.

"I thought Brad came in and played well for us," Kromm said. "He's a good stay-at-home defender. He plays a simple game. He's as good as I thought he would be, and we're happy to have him back."

In 139 games at Michigan Tech, Stebner had 29 points and 111 penalty minutes. He joins defensemen Ryan Constant and Shawn Boutin, forwards Tyler Maxwell and Ryan Howse and goaltender Shane Owen on the Thunder roster.

Kromm recently went to the summer camp of the New York Islanders, the Thunder's NHL affiliate, at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, N.Y. He met with officials of the Islanders and the Bridgeport (Conn.) Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League and had a chance to observe young prospects in the organization.

"I got to see the young kids and talk to coaches and scouts," Kromm said. "And we had a meeting regarding us and Bridgeport and how we can work to together and the things we can do for each other. It was a really good trip."